Deployable structure
US9709793B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2005/1804
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A deployable structure having a plurality of panel elements is provided. Adjacent panel elements are connected to one another by hinges. The hinges allow the panel elements to be placed in a stowed or folded configuration, in which adjacent pairs of panel elements are folded against one another to provide a relatively compact assembly. Biasing members can be provided to transition the deployable structure from the stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. When in the deployed configuration, the relative positions of the panel elements of the deployable structure are maintained, at least in part, by locating interface assemblies. The deployable structure may have a generally annular configuration when deployed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.